THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL AT THE NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
DEEP RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
JANUARY 17, 2013
The regular meeting of the Deep River Board of Education was held on Thursday, January 17, 2013.
In attendance were Christine Daniels,Mark Malcarne, Miriam Morrissey, Karen Nelson-Oliveria(7:05 Arrival), LizTracy-Monteclavo(7:15 Arrival) Art Robbins and JimOlson.
Also in attendancewere Dr. Ruth Levy, Superintendent, Joanne Beekley, Assistant Superintendent,Jennifer Byars, Principal, Garth Sawyer, Business Manager and Kelley Frazier,Clerk.
Absent: Julia Grabowski
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Daniels called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
CONSENT AGENDA
Jim Olsen made a motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of November 2012 and the Accounts Payable report. Mark Malcarne seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.
STUDENT REPORT
Dr. Byars introduced Mia Cost and Chance Barclay from sixth grade who gave the school update.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Doug Whittaker voiced concerns in cuts in the Supervision District budget. He is asking the Deep River Board of Education to not allow cuts in FLES, Music and Art. He would like to see reductions considered in other areas.
TinaMcKenzie also voiced concerns of having cuts to music and art. She feels kids need these programs.
Zoe McGlamery said that she moved here for the schools. Every year a little bit more is cut in the budget and she is worried her daughter who is in first grade may be affected. She feels it is important to keep these programs to allow creativity and problem solving.
Dan VanNett is concerned about these cuts. The school district was important when he moved here 10 years ago. He feels that there is fluff in other areas that should be cut rather than cutting these basic needs. The kids need variety.
Ms. Daniels thanked the audience for their comments and understands their concerns. She will take these comments back to the Supervision District Committee to consider when they develop the budgets.
OTHER ITEMS
None
REPORTS:
Financial Status Report – Mr. Garth Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave a brief financial status for the Deep River Elementary School. There are no major changes. Currently the Deep River Elementary School is projecting to have a significant deficit based on unanticipated special education needs and new enrollees into the health insurance plan. Mr. Sawyer will look at ways to decrease this amount. The Town is aware of this deficit. The Administration will keep the Board informed if the situation changes as we proceed through the year.
Cafeteria Report – Mr. Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave an update on the status of the Cafeteria Budget Updates. The full day Kindergarten has helped to offset some of the Board subsidy. Our sales are up from last year. The subsidy maybe lowered if sales continue with this trend. A survey will be taken later in the year to look at what the kids would like to eat and what is keeping them from eating in the cafeteria.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance
The Finance Committee meets on January 28, 2013.
Policy
No Update
Curriculum
No Update
Joint PK-12 Policy Committee
No Updates
Calendar
No Update
Supervision District
Ms. Daniels updated the Board on the budget discussions for Supervision District. This budget will be discussed further at a meeting in two weeks. The vote for this budget will take place on February 24th.
Miriam Morrissey voiced concerns of the new website. Things are not populated. Dr. Levy said that it is still being worked on.
Sixth Grade Committee
No Update
Preschool Committee
No Update
DRES Facilities
There has not been a meeting. A meeting will be scheduled in the near future. The playground will not be as costly as first thought. Modifications will be made to make it safer for our kids.
OTHER ITEMS:
Principal’s Update – J. Byars
Dr. Byars discussed the immediate aftermath of the Sandy Hook crisis and how her school dealt with this crisis. Fifth and Sixth grade classes had individual meetings. The thousand cranes project to support the community of Newtown is almost complete. A couple of changes have been implemented to improve school safety. Over Christmas break all window locks and shades were checked and will be replaced or repaired as needed.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – J. Beekley
General Update
Dr. Beekley noted that there was an encore presentation for parents on the Common Core State Standards. She noted that it is important for parents to understand this. Preparation is taking place for CMT and CAPT testing. The English/Lanuage Arts units are moving forward nicely to meet the requirements for Common Core State Standards. Training is happening for core people who will train others in the building. We continue to move forward on teacher and administrator evaluations.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT - R. Levy
District Update
Information and Communication – School Safety
Dr. Levy noted that all five budgets are being developed. Dr.Levy noted that it was remarkable to see her team come together to support our district after Sandy Hook. She discussed the letter sent to all parents explaining the new procedure for visitors in all of our buildings. She explained that we have many good procedures and policies in place to provide safety in our schools. She said that she has had law enforcement in our schools every day. She noted that all safety procedures will be reviewed again. A security audit will be done. There was a meeting with Troop F, all three Selectmen and local law enforcement to discuss safety. On February 4th there will be a District Committee Over site Team meeting which will be responsible for review the security audit information. The group will look at the physical aspect as well as outside and around the school and will make recommendations of enhancements. There will be additional education, training and crisis management for staff and students. Dr. Levy has invited Troop F to do drills in our schools over Winter break. It will be mandatory for all staff members to wear ID’s. These ID’s will have safety procedures on the back of the ID’s.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion duly made and seconded the Board unanimously VOTED to adjourn at 7:55p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelley Frazier, Board Clerk
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8.1 BOE Community Input on2013-14 Budget (Ongoing)
8.2 Review Strategic School Profile (when available from State)-J. Beekley
8.3 DR BOE 2013-14 Budget Workshops (Feb 7th, Feb 26th, Mar 12th)
8.4 Vote to Adopt DRES Budget for 2013-14 (Mar)
8.5 Vote on Staff Non-Renewals(Mar)
8.6 Present DRES 2013-14Budget at Town Meeting (TBD)